Why your New Year's resolution to lose weight may fail

If you signed up for a new gym membership to fulfill a New Year’s resolution, there’s a chance you’ll tap out by February.

A recent poll by online sports betting site Betway.com found one in four new gym goers quit within a month.

Another study by Strava, a social networking site with an app popular among fitness enthusiasts, is more exact. Strava pinpoints Jan. 17 as the day people will most likely give up on their resolutions.

The study came to this conclusion by analyzing data from nearly 685 million activities from its users.

“I find people tend to come out of the woodwork around the new year. Our gyms tend to get busy for the first eight weeks and then it drops off,” Charles said, adding he hates using the word “resolutions” when it comes to describing fitness goals.

While the statistics may seem discouraging, this year’s “Quitters Day” actually falls five days later than last year’s, which was Jan. 12.

Though the odds may seem stacked against you, Charles can share a few observations from clients who have followed through on their fitness goals.

The key is to make goals that are specific, to start small and to make them measurable.

“If it’s losing weight, I ask my clients, ‘How much weight do you want to lose? and ‘Why do you want to lose that weight?’ says Charles.

“The point is to try to have them reflect on when they were most comfortable with their weight and to make goals that are achievable. If it took 10 years to put on the weight, you’re not going to lose it in a short amount of time.”

While many people have fitness goals that focus on physical changes, it’s also important to align your goals with your mind and spirit, says food addictions counselor Sandra Elia.

“When it comes to weight loss, there’s the biological process and the desire to eat,” says Elia, adding it’s important to look at emotional triggers or to seek help to handle food cravings.

For those who have found themselves in the cycle of purchasing gym memberships then abandoning them early in the year, perhaps it’s time try a different approach, suggests Elia.

“If the gym has never worked out for you, then it’s time to let go of that idea. Find activities that really interest you whether it be a dance class or boxing… The simplest thing might just be to start walking more.”

Trainer Kevin Charles’ tips for maintaining your fitness goals:

Identify barriers: If you’re travelling frequently for work, have a plan taking that into account.

Be accountable to someone or something: Tracking your progress with a trainer, a workout buddy or an app will help create a support system.

Cut yourself some slack: Sometimes people have a slip up and it’s like a free fall.